Saracens look set to be without flanker Jacques Burger for nine months after he revealed on Twitter that he needs surgery.

Burger has been plagued by a knee injury sustained last season and he has confirmed via his Twitter account that he is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines. He tweeted: "Done a couple of things trying to get back playing this season but it's not worked. Will have a knee operation in the next week. 9 months."

The Namibian flanker shone for the national side during the World Cup where he received plaudits for his never-say-die attitude, but has since accrued just six appearances for the Aviva Premiership champions this season.

In Burger's absence, the likes of Justin Melck, Will Fraser, Kelly Brown, Jackson Wray and Andy Saull will look to cover the back-row. Burger will join long-term absentee Richard Wigglesworth on the sidelines.

Burger later Tweeted: "Thx for all the wishes and 9 months is a long time but I've been dodging the odds for a long time now.Fix it now and prolong my career#adict"